The station's owner shut down the news programme after she received a call from a CONATEL official recommending that it be taken off the air.
(IPYS/IFEX) – 3 June 2010 – On 13 May 2010, Radio Mega’s news program was suspended by the media outlet’s owner, Wendy Obando. The incident occured in Sucumbios, eastern Ecuador.
Marlon Torres, a journalist for the radio station, told IPYS and Fundamedios that the program’s suspension was related to a report that he produced and which was broadcast on 12 May. The report included the complaints of several members of the public who accused the secretary of the Second Civil Court, Jorge Guzmán, of mistreatment.
The reporter said the radio station’s owner had informed him about the news program’s suspension. She also let him know about a phone call by a National Telecommunications Council (CONATEL) official who did not identify himself.
According to Torres, Obando said that the official had suggested that she should take the program off the air and hand the recorded material for the week over to him.
IPYS and Fundamedios attempted to get in touch with Radio Mega’s owner but were unable to do so.
IPYS and Fundamedios condemn all forms of harassment or censorship against media outlets and demand that freedom of expression be respected.
